Can't tell much difference myself in terms of MPG

You need less throttle to go the same speed, and it is possible that the EGR isn't being used much in D hence the engine is running more efficiently.

When i got the car I used to drive in Normal, and Use D when I wanted to go faster, now I just drive in D all of the time and press the accelerator less hard.

 

The performance in D mode is wonderful - such an underrated car, it's superb for overtaking

 

It certainly is, the midrange grunt is great, especially in 3rd and 4th gear.

I do find the car a bit slow off the line in 1st and 2nd though, as you run out of revs very quickly.

 

I do find the car a bit slow off the line in 1st and 2nd though, as you run out of revs very quickly.

You've just described every "eco-optimized" stinkpot DERV on the market.

At least your "Dynamic" does something other than just stiffen the suspension

 

The important point to remember is that 'D' simply gives you the ability to use more fuel. Provided you continue to drive economically then there should only be a very minimal difference between the two.

I find 'N' perfectly suitable for a lot of day to day driving (such as in following traffic) and only use 'D' when in a hurry or having a bit of fun in the windy stuff. On mine at least 'D' is simply too 'punchy' for everyday driving.

 

I am wondering whether the 1.6 and 2.0 variants are mapped quite differently as I could never describe mine as too urgent in dynamic. To me it just feels normal, where as Normal feels gutless and slow. DNA is probably just Alfa's way of getting through emmisions regulations, by submitting the test cars set in N.

 

I am wondering whether the 1.6 and 2.0 variants are mapped quite differently as I could never describe mine as too urgent in dynamic. To me it just feels normal, where as Normal feels gutless and slow.

Don't forget everything is relative. If you drive in 'D' constantly then when switching to 'N' then I agree it does feel gutless and slow but equally if driving in 'N' for longish periods then when switching to 'D' it just feels fantastic.

To me that's the very essence of the DNA system since without it then everything you had got used to would feel normal.

To put this another way, if you intend driving in 'D' all the time then there isn't much point in having a DNA switch.

 

If you drive at a steady speed with a constant throttle, the mpg for Dynamic, Natural and All Weather is identical. It's only if you accelerate and dynamic's extra torque and sharper throttle mapping kick in that you'll see a lower mpg. You CAN get the same mpg from Dynamic, but you have to be very gentle with the throttle. On TCT, you also have to manually change gear as Dynamic tries to hold low gears far longer.

 

Well apart from getting around emissions regs I cannot see the point of the system.

Other manufacturers manage without, they just have a setup to suit all conditions.


If Alfa were to re-label it Normal, Slow and More slow would anyone use anything but Normal?

As far I as I am concerned D is Normal, and the other two settings are restricted performance.

 

Well apart from getting around emissions regs I cannot see the point of the system.

Other manufacturers manage without, they just have a setup to suit all conditions.

Sure they do - all the common models built to a price that is.

On the other hand, you'll struggle to find any prestige model that doesn't have a multi-mapping switch.

I was only counting the other day, whilst in traffic, all the auto systems my Alfa has which might score it above lesser cars before starting to consider manual systems and suddenly thought "and it's also got that DNA switch" :spin:

I don't feel the need to be racing around constancy so to me the DNA system has to be one of the best features of the car.

 

I use A mostly, followed by D. Never N....

D is 15-20% less economical if driving with auto gearbox and the speeds are mostly below 60 Mph...

 

I can't use A. It's like driving through treacle!

 

I used to have ours in D everywhere except in very heavy traffic. Even on a Motorway run it would be in D' I have got plus 50mpg on Motorways.

 

I have got 80 MPG, so you need to step it up or get out of D...

 

It's funny, my 170 Diesel was in D virtually every time I drove it, the GQV stays in N apart from on open roads. Totally different cars (obviously!).

 

I'm with you on the QV. D is just too much in normal traffic. Not at all relaxing to drive, its just accelerate and brake all the time.

 

Stevepen's is a TCT as well, unless I'm mistaken.

 

Yes, its a TCT.

 

I use:

- N for regular everyday driving
- A for when the weathers really bad (that is after all, why its there!)
- D when I'm feeling saucy :smoker:

 

If you have a diesel, then no, A-mode reacts the same as N, but won't cut power to the wheels if you start to spin so more akin D-mode. also, if you have TCT, A-mode seems more likely to switch down to first gear if you "not quite" come to a stop and decide to go again. better than D or N...

 

d should increase consumption a little, as every time the accelerator moves, it adjusts furling, whereas N mode seems to smooth it out a bit, but it's not a huge amount.

Interesting about the A mode, I'll have a play, but always seems lethargic to me


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i only use N while the engine gets up to temperature, then it goes straight into D. i plan on having it mapped in the spring, hopefully have N mode tweaked towards D and have a mental mode. ive owned my GQV for just over 2 years and the last year i don't think ive ever been in N mode for more than 100 miles in total!

Oh and im still loving it!!